MArch Architecture

About this course

This MArch from LJMU invites you to creatively engage in a truly interdisciplinary and project-orientated architectural study.

• Embark on this research-informed, nationally respected programme that has been fully validated and externally accredited for over 40 years
• Take part in overseas workshops enabling you to undertake design work in new territories and contexts such as Porto, Marseille, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Essen and Duisburg
• Develop skills in communication, presentation and self-motivation
• Benefit from state-of-the-art workspaces and facilities within the RIBA award-winning John Lennon Art and Design Building
• Degree Show 2022
• Guided Tour Video

This programme of study is thoughtfully balanced to address the creative and technical demands of the architectural profession.

In the 2017 RIBA revalidation, the MArch programme was commended by the visiting assessors for the Architecture programme's focus on urban design projects across a range of scales, evident in the work of the MArch students.

Taught principally through a studio environment that is underpinned and informed by lectures and workshops, the over-arching ambition of the programme is to create graduates with artistic flair, who are technically skilled and grounded in the demands of the professional role of an architect.

The learning and teaching environment is progressively informed by research in pedagogy in the creative field. While teaching the curriculum, the programme also develops less tangible skills in students, such as communication, presentation and self-motivation. A key ambition is to create independent thinkers, adept at resolving problems with creativity and originality.

Visit this year's degree show website and browse MArch student work

Michael's story

Michael Eze is about to complete his MArch at LJMU having studied for his first degree in Manchester.

"I was attracted to study Architecture in Liverpool due to the city's rich history and heritage. The experience has been so much more than I was expecting. I have had a lot more one-on-one time with my tutors than I had experienced before and this has enabled me to feel a connection with my studies at a higher level.

As a postgraduate you are seen by tutors as a colleague rather than a student and this really helps you to prepare for the world of work by demonstrating how you will be treated in the workplace. The level of academic study at LJMU is very high. We had a visit from Libeskind during my programme and to draw someone like that is a real achievement.

In terms of the day-to-day, LJMU is a comfortable place to study with a great mix of students. I live with people from Switzerland, Spain, the Middle East and China and this gives you a great view of the world. You learn about new cultures and try new foods. The support from the University is great too. I had to stop working at the start of my studies and was struggling financially but I spoke to my tutors and the wellbeing team and they sorted everything out for me - practically and emotionally - meaning I could concentrate on my studies and forget the stress.

I would certainly recommend LJMU as a place to study at postgraduate level. It is a very good University in a very interesting city, you really should be part of it."

Course modules

Core modules

• Theory and Research 1: theoretical studies and research methods (30 credits)
• Urban Design 1: Creative urbanism and regeneration within an analytical and theoretical context (30 credits)
• Integrated Design 1: options for resilient living (30 credits)
• Practice and Legislation: Understanding the designer's role in the contemporary built environment (30 credits)
• Theory and Research 2: thesis studies - critical writing and design research (30 credits)
• Urban Design 2: thesis urban strategy (30 credits)
• Integrated Design 2: Thesis architectural design - ideas through building (60 credits)

Your Learning Experience

Teaching Assessment

Study hours

The MArch involves intense teaching and project work. with a full Monday - Friday teaching timetable.

Your academic timetable varies according to the semester, the module you are undertaking, and whether you are studying on a full-time or part-time basis. Sample timetables are available from the Faculty Admissions Hub

Teaching methods

The first year introduces contemporary urban design theories and international best practice. Locating project work in Merseyside or abroad, you are encouraged to engage with cultural organisations, regional stakeholders and statutory authorities to produce creative, socio-economically engaged architectural proposals.

You then follow strands of enquiry around dwelling in the city and undertake a year-long specialist study as the basis for your research proposal.

The final year of the MArch offers opportunities for more in-depth explorations, emanating from group urban studies. Ambitions for comprehensive building design projects develop from an analysis of and intuitive response to place.

Applied learning

As well as providing a framework of expertise for your studies and being located in a UNESCO recognised city of cultural significance, LJMU also offers a number of overseas workshops that enable you to undertake design work in new territories and contexts. Recent workshops have taken place in Porto, Marseille, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Essen and Duisburg.

We also have Erasmus staff and student mobility agreements with FH Joanneum University of Applied Science in Graz, Austria and Pecsi Tudomanyegyetem, Pecs, Hungary. We regularly host symposia and conferences, for example: Starchitecture on the Mersey? a civic symposium and Housing - A Critical Perspective.

Career paths

Further your career prospects

LJMU has an excellent employability record with 94% (HESA 2022) of our postgraduates in work or further study fifteen months after graduation. Our applied learning techniques and strong industry connections ensure our students are fully prepared for the workplace on graduation and understand how to apply their knowledge in a real world context.

Postgraduates from this programme are highly sought after by employers.

On graduation you will gain exemption from ARB/ RIBA Part 2 examinations. This qualification is essential if you want to become a registered architect and gain Chartered status. Once you have passed the ARB/RIBA Part 3 exams, you can practice in any EU or commonwealth country and many other countries outside the EU.

Many of our graduates secure employment at world-class practices throughout the UK and further afield. Some have remained in the city of Liverpool, contributing to its evolution by taking key roles in leading practices that have reshaped the city over the last decade.

If, after graduating, you choose not to go down the route of becoming a registered Architect, many other careers are open to you. Past graduates have pursued successful careers as Project Managers, Property Developers, Building Contractors, Furniture Designers, Lighting Designers, Architectural Visualisation Artists and Journalists.

Tuition fees and funding

Home

• Full-time per year: £9,535

International

• Full-time per year: £18,250

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

• a minimum 2:2 honours degree in Architecture

Additional requirements

• Interview required: to attend an interview

Further information

• Extra Requirements:
  • Assessment of suitability to the course will be undertaken by review of a portfolio of work and an interview
  • Students with first degrees without RIBA/ARB Part 1 exemption should be aware that the MArch awards exemption from RIBA / ARB Part 2 only. If you wish to register as an Architect in this country or become an RIBA Chartered architect you will have to acquire RIBA / ARB Part 1 separately
• RPL: RPL is accepted on this programme

International requirements

• IELTS: 6.0 with a minimum 5.5 in each component

Further information

• Extra Requirements:
  • Assessment of suitability to the course will be undertaken by review of a portfolio of work and an interview
  • Students with first degrees without RIBA/ARB Part 1 exemption should be aware that the MArch awards exemption from RIBA / ARB Part 2 only. If you wish to register as an Architect in this country or become an RIBA Chartered architect you will have to acquire RIBA / ARB Part 1 separately
• RPL: RPL is accepted on this programme

How to apply

To apply for this programme, you are required to complete an LJMU online application form. You will need to provide details of previous qualifications and a personal statement outlining why you wish to study this programme.

We are looking for students with an enthusiasm for design, who wish to engage in the debate on the future of the built environment. You should have a willingness to read around the subject widely and gain first-hand experience of buildings, towns and cities.
You will need:

• information retrieval techniques, as you will be expected to read around the subject and draw upon your findings for essays and projects
• analytical skills, so that you can critically assess your own work and the work of others
• IT skills, as you will be expected to develop and submit project work using a wide range of specialist software applications
• communication skills, as you will be expected to contribute to tutorials and host presentations
• time management skills, as you will have to work to deadlines on a regular basis
• team-working skills, as you will have to work closely with others

Advice on your personal statement

Your personal statement is the part of the application that will make you stand out as an individual. Organise your main achievements and interests into bullet points before you start completing it.
Summarise why you have chosen the course(s) for which you are applying and link between your present and proposed course(s).

Keep the statement brief and to the point. You should strive to make your statement personal but don't fall into the trap of including common interests such a socialising or reading. Instead, think about unique or interesting things that you have done.

Make sure that you include any work experience that you have had (this includes part-time and holiday work), particularly if this relates to your chosen field of study. We are looking for evidence of commitment and team-working skills, so give us details of these.

Remember: we will consider your application not only on your exam grades but also on the strength of your personal statement and references. We may invite you in for an interview or ask you to complete a piece of work if we believe your exam grades do not accurately reflect your ability and potential. Remember that a good application form could even make up a shortfall in your exam grades and help secure your place at LJMU.

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Overview:

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a public university located in Liverpool, England. It is a large and diverse institution with a strong focus on providing high-quality education and research opportunities.

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Services Offered:

LJMU offers a wide range of services to its students, including:

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus accommodation options are available for students.

Student Support:

The university provides comprehensive support services, including academic advising, career counseling, financial aid, and mental health resources.

Library:

LJMU has a well-equipped library with extensive resources and study spaces.

Student Futures:

This service helps students with career planning, job searching, and employability skills development.

International Student Support:

Dedicated support is available for international students, including visa guidance and cultural adjustment programs.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

LJMU offers a vibrant and engaging campus experience for its students. Key aspects include:

Sports, Societies, and Lifestyle:

Students can participate in a wide range of sports clubs, societies, and social events.

Campus:

The university has multiple campuses located in Liverpool, providing a diverse and stimulating environment.

Go Abroad:

LJMU offers opportunities for students to study abroad and gain international experience.

Volunteering:

Students can engage in volunteering activities and contribute to the local community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Academic Reputation:

LJMU is known for its high-quality teaching and research.

Diverse Programs:

The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines.

Location:

Liverpool is a vibrant and culturally rich city, providing students with a stimulating and enjoyable living experience.

Student Support:

LJMU provides comprehensive support services to ensure student success.

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Academic Programs:

LJMU offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Undergraduate:

Bachelor's degrees in various fields, including business, law, health sciences, engineering, and the arts.

Postgraduate:

Master's degrees, PhD programs, and other postgraduate qualifications.

Degree Apprenticeships:

Programs that combine work experience with academic study.

Continuing Professional Development:

Short courses and programs for professionals seeking to enhance their skills.